Spray gun container

ABSTRACT

To further improve upon a spray gun container, according to the present invention a spray gun container, preferably a flow container, is used to accommodate coating materials whereby the spray gun container has a container part and a fixed container insert.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of prior filed copending PCT International application no. PCT/DE02/04036, filed Oct. 29, 2002, which designated the United States and on which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and which prior filed copending PCT International application no. PCT/DE02/04036, filed Oct. 29, 2002, claims the benefit of prior filed U.S. provisional Application No. 60/364,393, filed Mar. 14, 2002, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and which prior filed copending PCT International application no. PCT/DE02/04036, filed Oct. 29, 2002, claims the priority of German Patent Applications, Serial Nos. 101 55 766.3, filed Nov. 14, 2001, 102 11 769.1, filed Mar. 14, 2002, and 102 13 715.3, filed Mar. 26, 2002, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), the disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to a spray gun container, and more particularly to a flow container for accommodating paints and coating materials.

[0003] Such spray gun containers are known from the state of the art, and the spray gun containers are available in a variety of embodiments from various manufacturers. A spray gun container is mounted on a spray gun and can be filled with lacquers or other coloring agents. The spray gun container is an important component of a spray apparatus in conjunction with the design described here.

[0004] It would be desirable and advantageous to provide an improved spray gun container to obviate prior art shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a spray gun container, preferably a flow container, for accommodating paints and coating materials, has a container part and a fixed container insert, wherein the container insert is introduced into the container part of the spray gun container so that the spray gun container part no longer comes in contact with the coating materials or does so only as an exception.

[0006] The container insert is preferably designed as an inexpensive disposable part, so that time-consuming cleaning processes which are required with a traditional spray gun container may be omitted. When a spraying operation is concluded, the container part including the container insert is removed from the spray gun, for example, and the container insert is removed from the container part without contaminating the container part with coating material. Of course, it is not absolutely necessary to dispose of the container insert after one painting operation. The container insert is advantageously then also suitable for being cleaned after one painting operation.

[0007] If this is the case, it is advantageous to use much less cleaning agent after a spraying operation for cleaning the spray apparatus than is the case with the usual spray equipment, because the coating material that is left over remains in the fixed container insert, which can be replaced easily by another fixed container insert. Several container inserts may optionally be cleaned together at a later point in time, so that consumption of cleaning agent may be reduced.

[0008] In particular, this results in a much shorter period of contact with the cleaning agents, such as solvents, for the operating personnel after a painting operation. This improves labor conditions to the extent that it yields advantages for the operating personnel with regard to toxic exposure.

[0009] Another important advantage provided by the container insert can be seen by the fact that a change in color between individual painting operations can be performed much more easily and thus more rapidly and effectively. When changing colors, it is now no longer necessary to clean the spray gun container and thus to prepare it for another painting operation with a different coating material, but instead only the container insert which contains a first coating material need be removed from the container part of the spray gun container and replaced by a different container insert which contains another coating material. The spray gun as well as the adapter may optionally be cleaned by using a cleaning agent from a washing bottle. To eliminate any contamination of the spray gun container, an intermediate cleaning of the container with the cleaning agent from the washing bottle may optionally also be performed.

[0010] To remove a container insert from the container part especially easily, it is advantageous if the container insert projects above the top edge of the container part. This makes it possible for the container insert to be gripped by the operator by simply grasping the projecting area and removing it from the container part.

[0011] To ensure clarity, it is necessary to establish the definition of several important terms and expressions that will be used throughout this disclosure. The term “flow container” relates to a container which is arranged above the actual spray gun in a painting operation in particular and from which the coating material flows into the spray gun.

[0012] The term “spray gun container” is used here in a generic sense and relates not only to known flow containers mentioned above, but also to any other container suitable for accommodating coating materials, including, for example, a suction pot, which may also be situated on a spray gun and represents an alternative container to the flow container described above in particular.

[0013] The term “paint and coating material” relates to any paint, varnish, lacquer or lacquer-like coating materials which are suitable for being applied to an object by means of a spray gun.

[0014] The term “fixed container insert” relates to a structure which independently retains a shape imparted to it. The container insert may be produced from a variety of materials. An important criterion is that the material used must be at least temporarily solvent-resistant. In particular, plastics such as polypropylene are suitable for this purpose. A fixed container insert guarantees a uniform supply of coating material with respect to a spray gun because then it cannot collapse due to a reduced pressure that develops with the removal of the coating material. Instead, the shape of the container insert remains rigid even at an advanced stage of removal of coating material from the container. In addition, the fixed container insert can be handled well because it can be gripped reliably. This is advantageous in particular when changing the coating material and in subsequent storage of container inserts.

[0015] Of course the fixed container insert may be made of materials similar to those also used with traditional spray gun containers. The container insert is advantageously made of materials which can be cleaned to remove the coating materials especially easily.

[0016] Due to the container insert which is inserted into the container part of the spray gun container, the overall structure of the spray gun container now has a double wall, so that coating materials can no longer reach the actual spray gun container.

[0017] The container insert thus forms an inside wall of the spray gun container. The inside wall can be divided from the outside wall of the spray gun container, so that the advantages already mentioned above can be achieved especially easily.

[0018] To secure the container insert with respect to the container part of the spray gun container especially well, it is advantageous if the container part of the spray gun container has a fastening means with which the container insert is secured with respect to the container part. Such a means of securing it is also advantageous because when the container insert is full, it has a relatively great weight, so that it is advantageous if the container insert is secured with respect to the container part of the spray gun container.

[0019] It is advantageous here if the fastening means has a coupling ring. A coupling ring is especially suitable for securing the container insert with respect to the container part of the spray gun container, because it can be mounted on the container part of the spray gun container like a traditional spray gun container closure. A thread or a flange which is already provided on the spray gun container and would otherwise accommodate a spray gun container closure can be used for this purpose to advantage.

[0020] As an alternative or in addition to the fastening means of the container part, it is advantageous if the container insert of the spray gun container has a fastening device with which the container insert can be secured with respect to the container part.

[0021] According to one variant of the present invention, the fastening device has at least one fastening strap. The container insert advantageously has two fastening straps which communicate with a corresponding groove in the container part at least when installed. This makes it possible to establish an especially secure connection between the container part and the container insert.

[0022] It is advantageous that the container insert has at least two openings. A second opening of the container insert is advantageous to prevent a reduced pressure in the container insert due to removal of the coating material during a painting operation. It is advantageous if this “air following flow opening” is designed so that although air can flow in or follow into the container insert from the outside air, no ingredients and/or coating materials from the container insert can escape to the outside. Therefore, at least one opening may have a valve to ensure this.

[0023] To bring the coating materials, which are in the container insert, up to the spray gun, it is advantageous if at least one opening in the container insert communicates with a liquid supply of a spray gun.

[0024] It is advantageous here if in the area of at least one first opening, a fastening means with which the container insert can be secured on the spray gun is provided. Suitable fastening means include virtually all devices with which a frictionally locked, form-fitting or force-locked connection can be established between the container insert and the spray gun. These may include, for example, traditional fast closures, bayonet closures, screw closures or plug closures. It is self-evident that the fastening means and/or the connecting possibilities are not limited to the devices mentioned here.

[0025] In addition, it is also advantageous if at least the first opening has a closure. This is especially advantageous, for example, when a coating material has not been applied completely in one operation and must now be stored inside the container insert. In particular the plug devices, screw devices, stopper devices or reverse drawing devices which are capable of guaranteeing a secure and reliable closure of these openings are suitable for closing and opening of a container insert.

[0026] The area around the opening, in particular around the first opening is optionally designed so that this area is a type of cylindrical tube or the like. For example, a thread may easily be provided on such an area, thus implementing one possibility of connection to the spray gun and/or a closure device.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a screen may be provided at least in the area of one opening. In particular for the case when coating materials that have not been prescreened are used for processing, it is advantageous if a screen is provided, e.g., at the opening, which communicates with the fluid supply of the spray gun or at least faces the fluid supply of the spray gun. This makes it possible for the coating material flowing to the spray gun to be screen before it enters the spray gun.

[0028] Of course, such a screen may also be provided in an area of the container insert. For example, the screen is situated on a refilling opening so that a coating material, which is added to the container insert, is screened directly on addition.

[0029] According to another variant of the present invention, the container insert and the screen may be designed in one piece. Advantageously the container insert and the screen may be manufactured as a single part through an injection molding operation. This greatly reduces the manufacturing cost because no additional part need be used to filter the coating material. Instead, it is possible to eliminate the external part “screen,” which further simplifies handling of a spray gun container with a screen.

[0030] The screen is preferably arranged on the opening of the container insert which faces the spray gun, so that the coating material is filtered before it flows directly into the spray gun.

[0031] It is advantageous if the screen is situated inside this opening or in front of this opening within the container insert. Either the screen is designed as a three-dimensional structure or as a flat membrane. A three-dimensional screen has the advantage of a larger surface area available for filtering the coating material.

[0032] It is also advantageous for simple filling of the container insert or for especially simple cleaning of the container insert if the container insert has a cover for sealing at least one opening. This cover may be attached by snap-on connection, screw-on connection or by some other advantageous means.

[0033] In this connection it is advantageous if the cover of the container insert has at least one closable through-bore. By means of this closable through-bore it is possible to ensure that, for example, enough air can flow into the container insert subsequently during the removal of the coating materials. Of course, the through-bore can also be closed with one of the closure devices of the openings of the container insert as already mentioned above.

[0034] In particular when changing a container insert, it is advantageous if the through-hole in the cover, which is usually opened during the spraying process, can be closed. The spray gun is usually rotated 180° after sealing the through-hole when changing and/or removing the container part with the container part situated on it and the container insert so that the spray gun is located above the container part and the container insert. Then either the container part including the container insert is released from the spray gun or the container part remains on the spray gun and only the container insert is removed from the container part. Then the container insert may be disposed of or used for storing residues of paint and coating material. In the last variant, the first opening described above is closed with the above-mentioned closure.

[0035] To be able to arrange a compressed air tubing, for example, on the spray gun container and/or on the cover of the spray gun container, it is advantageous if the through-hole has a receptacle on which a medium supply device may be arranged. If the compressed air tubing is connected to this receptacle, the spray gun container may also be use to advantage in a low-pressure spraying process.

[0036] In addition, it is also possible to provide on the receptacle a tubing with which the supply of coating materials into the container insert can be facilitated.

[0037] In addition, it is desirable if the cover is situated on an opening of the container insert which is opposite a container insert opening, the container insert opening being provided in particular for communication with a fluid supply to a spray gun. This makes it possible to implement an especially simple design variant.

[0038] To make it possible for the container part together with the container insert to be mounted on different spray guns, it is advantageous if the container insert and/or the container part has/have an adapter which provides a secure but detachable connection between the spray gun and the container part of the spray gun container. In addition, there is also a loose connection between the container insert and the spray gun and/or the adapter. This ensures a very intimate and thus very sturdy and secure connection between the spray gun and the container part of the spray gun container, preventing unintentional detachment of the container part from the spray gun. Moreover, a loose but tight connection is created between the container insert and the spray gun and/or the adapter, making it possible to replace different container insert rapidly.

[0039] It may also be conceivable to provide the adapter with connecting devices which include the connection possibilities already described above such as a fast-snap closure, a bayonet closure, a screw closure or a plug closure. The adapter may have a detachable but secure and tight connection with respect to the container part of the spray gun container and also such a secure and tight connection with respect to the spray gun.

[0040] In addition it is advantageous if the easily detachable and loose connection between the adapter and the container insert is secured by means of an above mentioned fastening means, preferably in the form of the coupling ring. This makes it possible to detach the container insert easily and quickly from the adapter and thus remove it from the container part of the spray gun container. For example, then a replacement container insert containing another coating material can again be introduced into the container part and secured in the area of the adapter.

[0041] In addition there is the possibility of releasing the container part and the container insert completely from the spray gun and/or the adapter of the spray gun and replacing it by another container part having a container insert. This is advantageous in particular in the case of several coating material color changes in succession, because the only the actual spray gun need be cleaned between these changes.

[0042] To seal the container insert well, it is advantageous if at least one sealing means, preferably at least one ring gasket is provided in the area of at least one opening. This pertains in particular to the opening, which faces the spray gun fluid supply. Because of the corresponding sealing means, the risk of coating material reaching the container part of the spray gun container is especially low. For example, the sealing means by consist of a plurality of sealing rings which are arranged in the area of the above mentioned opening and establish a type of squeeze connection between the container insert and the inside bore of the adapter.

[0043] However, any other tight but rapidly releasable type of connection may also be provided for connecting the container insert rapidly and promptly to the adapter or releasing it from the adapter.

[0044] According to another variant of the present invention, the volume of the container insert may have at least more than 60%, preferably more than 80% of the volume of the container part. This also results in optimum utilization of the volume of the spray gun container.

[0045] To utilize the volume of the spray gun container especially well, it is advantageous if the container insert has an outside contour, which corresponds to the inside contour of the container part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0046] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent upon reading the following description of currently preferred exemplified embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0047]FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional side view of a first spray gun container comprising a container part and a container insert, in accordance with the present invention;

[0048]FIG. 2 is an exploded illustration of a second spray gun container having another container part and another container insert and a spray gun in accordance with the present invention;

[0049]FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional side view of a spray gun container comprising a container part and a one part container insert,

[0050]FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded illustration of another embodiment of a spray gun container on a spray gun, in accordance with the present invention;

[0051]FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional illustration of a spray gun container having a compressed air tubing for a low-pressure spray process;

[0052]FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional side view of a spray gun container having a container part and a container insert loosely connected to the container part;

[0053]FIG. 7 is a schematic detailed view of the loose connection between the container part and the container insert of the spray gun container of FIG. 6;

[0054]FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of a container insert having two opposing fastening straps;

[0055]FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional side view of a spray gun container in which a container insert is loosely connected to a container part by means of two opposing fastening straps; and

[0056]FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional side view of the spray gun container of FIG. 9 with an additional coupling ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] The depicted embodiments are to be understood as illustrative of the invention and not as limiting in any way. It should also be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated by graphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.

[0058] The spray gun container 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a container part 2 and a container insert 2A having a volume 3. The volume 3 is used to accommodate coating materials (not shown here). The container insert 2A includes two openings 4 and 5, whereby the opening 4 is sealed with a cover 6. The cover 6 has an opening 7, which is connected to the cover 6 by means of a closure 8 by using a form-fitting connection 9. The opening 5 includes a screen 10 with which the coating materials (not shown here) are filtered and/or screened through the opening 5 before leaving the container insert 2A. The screen 10 is detachably secured on the container insert 2A in area 11 so that the screen 10 can be replaced if needed.

[0059] The container insert 2A also has three ceiling rings 12, 13 and 14 in the cylindrical area 5A of the opening 5. First, these three sealing 12, 13 and 14 seal the interface between the container insert 2A and an adapter 15 with respect to container part 2 of the spray gun container 1. Secondly, the container insert 2A is detachably connected to the adapter 15 in the manner of a squeeze connection by means of the three ceiling rings 12, 13 and 14. The adapter 15 has a fine thread 17 on one side 16 with which it can be attached to a spray gun (26, see FIG. 2).

[0060] The adapter 15 is joined in a form-fitting manner to the container part 2 of the spray gun container 1 on a side 18 of the adapter 15, which is opposite the side 16. This connection is preferably accomplished by means of a known bayonet closure (27A, FIG. 2).

[0061] In the area of the upper opening 4, the container part 2 of the spray gun container 1 has an outside thread 19 by means of which the spray gun container part 2 can accommodate a coupling ring 20. In the tightened state, the coupling ring 20 presses the peripheral edge 21 of the container insert 2A against the upper edge 22 of the spray gun container part 2 and also presses the cover 6 against the peripheral edge 21 of the container insert 2A. The coupling ring 20 secures not only the container insert 2A with respect to the spray gun container part 2 but also secures the cover 6 with respect to the container insert 2A.

[0062] The spray gun container 23 (FIG. 2) includes a container part 24, a fixed container insert 25 and a spray gun 26. The spray gun container 23 is mounted on the spray gun 26 by means of an adapter 27. By replacing the adapter 27 with another adapter (not shown here), it is possible to mount the spray gun container 23 on different spray guns (not shown here). The container insert 25 includes a sealing cap 29 for its opening 28, which faces the spray gun 26. Another opening 30 on the container insert 25 is sealed with a cover 31. The cover 31 also has a closure 32 which seals a bore 33 provided in the cover 31.

[0063] By means of the sealing cap 29, the opening 28 is sealed when the container insert 25 is not in use, thus permitting simple and reliable storage of coating material (not shown here) within the container insert 25. First, the bore 33 in the cover 31 is closed because the spray gun 26 is upside down to remove the container insert 25, optionally in combination with the container part 24, so that the cover 31 with its bore 33 retains the coating material in the container insert 25. The container insert 25 also includes a screen 34 that can be arranged in the opening 28 to thus clean a coating material (not shown here), which is flowing through the opening 28.

[0064] If the container insert 25 is installed in the container part 24 of the spray gun container 23, the container insert 25 as well as its cover 31 are secured on the spray gun container part 24 by means of a coupling ring 35. The container insert 25 makes it possible to remove a first coating material (not shown here) rapidly and cleanly from the spray gun container part 24 and to replace it with another container insert (not shown here) without the contents of the container inserts 25 coming in contact with the container part 24 of the spray gun container 23.

[0065] The spray gun container 36 shown in FIG. 3 has an open container part 37 in which is arranged a one-piece fixed container insert 38. The container part 37 is arranged on an adapter 40 by means of a connector 39. The connector 39 establishes a detachable connection between the container part 37 and the adapter 40 and also clamps the container insert 38 with a first edge area 41 on a frontal part 42 so that the container insert 38 and the frontal part 42 are tight in the area 41. Two sealing rings 43 and 44 are advantageously arranged in area 41, which additionally increases the sealing reliability. The frontal part 42 has three sealing rings 45, 46 and 47 with respect to adapter 40 so that the frontal part 42 has a loose connection with respect to adapter 40 and also provides a very reliable sealing device.

[0066] In addition, a screen 48 is provided on the frontal part 42, screening a coating material 38A which flows out of a hollow space 49 of the container part 38 through the frontal part 42 and through the adapter 40 into a spray 26 or 59 (see FIG. 2 or 4).

[0067] In order to prevent development of a reduced pressure in the hollow space 49 of container insert 38 as coating material 38A flows out, the container insert 38 has an opening 51 in the area of a bottom 50 which can be sealed by means of a closure 52. The closure 52 is fastened by means of a fastening 53 on a borehole 54 in the bottom 50 of the container part. The container insert 38 has a second edge area in the form of a collar 55 in the area of a bottom 50. By means of the collar 55, the container insert 38 may be placed on a substrate to advantage. Since the collar 55 extends beyond the height of the closure 52, the closure 52 does not prevent secure placement of the fixed container insert 38 on a substrate.

[0068] In order to store a coating material 38A in the fixed container insert 38 in the least complicated way possible, for example, the connector 39 is released by a thread 56 of the adapter 40 which faces the container insert 38 so that a connector 39 together with the container part 37, the container insert 38 and the funnel part 42 can be removed from the adapter 40 as a unit. An opening 57 in the frontal part 42 is sealed tightly by means of a closure 29 (see FIG. 2) so that the coating material 38A can be stored well in the fixed container insert 38.

[0069] In addition, the fixed container insert 38 can be filled especially advantageous when it is placed on a fixed substrate by means of the collar 55 when the closure 52 is closed and the funnel part 42 is not arranged on it. The fixed container insert 38 can be filled here easily, cleanly and rapidly through its area 41.

[0070] The exemplary embodiment 58 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a spray gun 59, an adapter 60, a connector 61, a screen 62, a funnel part 63, a fixed container 64 and a container part 65. The fixed container insert 64 includes on its bottom side 66 a closure 67. The closure 67 is provided for closing a borehole 68 in the container insert bottom 66. The adapter 60 is screwed onto the spray gun 59 by means of a first thread 60A. The connector 61 is mounted on the adapter 60 by means of a bayonet closure 60B.

[0071] The screen 62 is arranged in the opening 63A of the funnel part 63, whereby the funnel part 63 is inserted into the connector 61. The funnel part 63 has three ring gaskets 63B, 63C and 63D in the area of opening 63A, so that a connection between the funnel 63 and the adapter 60 is sealed.

[0072] In addition, the fixed container insert 64 is placed in the container part 65. The container part 65 is screwed onto the connector 61 by means of a thread 65A. First, the funnel part 63 is pressed into the adapter and secured there in this way and secondly the fixed container insert 64 is pressed into and secured on the frontal part 63.

[0073] The spray gun container 69 shown in FIG. 5 has essentially the same parts as the spray gun containers 1, 23 and 36 discussed above. Here again, the spray gun container 69 comprises a container part 70 and a container insert 71, whereby the container insert 71 is already arranged in the container part 70. The container part 70 and the container insert 71 are joined together in an area 72, which faces a spray gun 26 (see FIG. 2) by means of an adapter 73. The container part 70 is connected here to a known bayonet closure (27A, FIG. 2). Container insert 70 however, is connected to the adapter 73 by means of three ring gaskets 74 (assigned a number here only as an example). In this exemplary embodiment, the adapter 73 has also a fine thread 76 with which it can be mounted on a spray gun (26, see FIG. 2). In addition, a screen 77 with which container insert contents can be filtered before flowing into a spray gun (26, see FIG. 2) is provided in the container insert 71.

[0074] On the end 78 of the container part 70 opposite the adapter 73, the container part 70 has an at least partially peripheral groove 79 in which fastening straps 80A and 80B of the container insert 71 are arranged at least in the installed state of the container insert 71. The peripheral grooves 79 may have a spiral pattern along the inside of the container part 70. Corresponding to the groove 79, the container part 70 has a peripheral elevation on its outside on which may be provided a coupling ring 133 as needed (see FIG. 10). In addition to the loose connection by way of the sealing rings 74, the container insert 71 is additionally fixedly but detachably connected to the container part 70 by means of this form-fitting connection.

[0075] In the upper area 78 the spray gun container 69, in particular the container insert 71 is sealed by a cover 81. The cover 81 has a peripheral groove 82 on its outer area, which accommodates an upper peripheral edge 83 of the container insert 71, preferably in a form-fitting manner. The cover 81 is thereby secured on the spray gun container 69. In addition, the cover 81 has a central opening 84 through which spray gun container contents can be poured into the container insert 71. The opening 84 has a receptacle 85 on the side facing away from the container insert 71. The receptacle 85 is suitable for accommodating a tubing 86 so that the tubing 86 is loosely connected to the spray gun container 69.

[0076] Air is supplied through the tubing 86 to the container insert 71 in the direction of arrow 87 so that a slight excess pressure results inside of the container insert 71 and the spray gun container 69 is thus suitable for use in a low-pressure spraying process.

[0077] In addition, the cover 81 has an at least hemispherical recess 88 in which may be arranged a receptacle of a stopper 103 corresponding to the inside contour of the recess (see FIG. 6). By means of the stopper 103, the opening 84 of the cover 81 can be closed as needed so that the interior 71A of the container insert 71 is also sealed completely in the area of the cover 81.

[0078] The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6 shows a spray gun container 89 which, as already explained repeatedly, consists essentially of a container part 90 and a container insert 91. Again in this exemplary embodiment, the container part 90 is connected to the container insert 91 by an adapter 92. To do so, the container part 90 has a form-fitting connection with respect to the adapter 92 as already described in FIG. 5. The container insert 91, however, as already described in FIG. 5, has only a loose connection by way of sealing rings 93 (assigned a number here only as an example) to the adapter 92. A screen 95 which filters the container insert contents 96 before reaching a spray gun 59 (FIG. 4) is also provided on an opening 94 here.

[0079] Also in this exemplary embodiment, the spray gun container 89 is sealed by a cover 97. To do so, the cover 97 includes a peripheral groove 99 in its edge area 98. If the cover 97 is placed on the spray gun container 89, in particular on the container insert 91, a peripheral edge 100 of the container insert 91 sits in the peripheral groove 99 of the cover. With the same peripheral edge 100, the container insert 91 rests on the upper edge 101 of the container part. Therefore the container insert 91 is further secured with respect to the container part 90.

[0080] In contrast with the container parts 2 and/or 70 already described, container part 90 in this exemplary embodiment has neither an outside thread 19 (see FIG. 1) nor a groove 79 (see FIG. 5). The container part 90 is instead cylindrical in design in the area of the cover 97 without any other structure.

[0081] The cover 97 also includes an opening 102 in which a stopper 103 is arranged. In order for the stopper 103 to also remain arranged on the cover 97 when the stopper 103 does not seal the opening 102, the stopper 103 also has a form-fitting connection 104 with respect to the cover 97. Thus the stopper 103 remains situated on the cover 97 even when the stopper 103 is not in the opening 102.

[0082] The area 105 shown inside the circle schematically in FIG. 6 is shown on an enlarged scale in FIG. 7. Essentially here (FIG. 7) the form-fitting connection between the container part 90 and the adapter 92 and the loose connection between the container insert 91 and the adapter 92 are shown in detail.

[0083] To implement the form-fitting connection between the container part 90 and the adapter 92, the adapter has a groove 107 in its upper area 106, corresponding to a type of spring 108 of container part 90 and thereby forming the form-fitting connection between these two parts 90 and 92.

[0084] A peripheral groove 110 is also arranged on a cylindrical inside 109 of the adapter 92. With the container insert 91 in place, a sealing ring 93 arranged on it is at least partially accommodated in this peripheral groove 110 so that at least one sealing 93 of the container insert 91 is secured in a peripheral groove 110 of the adapter 92.

[0085] The other sealing rings 93A and 93B, however, do not engage in a peripheral groove 110 of the adapter 92 but they also have a stabilizing effect so that the container insert 91 is supported on the cylindrical inside wall 109 of the adapter 92 in at least three areas spaced a distance apart from one another. Within the container insert 91 the screen 95 is detachably secured on the peripheral area 111 of the container insert 91 in a friction-locked manner.

[0086]FIG. 8 illustrates a conically tapered container insert 112, which has two opposing fastening straps 114 and 115 on its upper edge 113. The fastening straps 114 and 115 correspond to an at least partially peripheral groove 79 (see FIG. 5) of the container part 70 when the container insert 112 is inserted. On the side of the container insert 112 opposite the upper edge 113 there is an opening 116 through which the container insert contents 96 (see FIG. 6) enter a spray gun 59 (see FIG. 4). The areas 117, 118 and 119 show additional internal surfaces of the container insert 112 which taper conically in stages from the upper edge 113 to the opening 160, resulting in gradually tapering cylindrical cross section of the container insert 112 from top to bottom, i.e., running into the plane of the paper.

[0087]FIGS. 9 and 10 each show a spray gun container 120, which has essentially the same design as the spray gun container 69 of FIG. 5. The spray gun container 120 also includes a container part 121 in which is arranged a container insert 122. The two parts 121 and 122 are here again joined together by means of an adapter 124 with a ring gasket 123. The spray gun container 120 also has a screen 125 and a cover 126. A stopper 127, which seals an opening 128 of the cover 126, is arranged on the cover 126. The container insert 122 also has two fastening straps 129 and 130, each engaging in a groove 131 and 132 in the installed state.

[0088] In addition, FIG. 10 shows a coupling ring 133 which is arranged in the cover area of the spray gun container 120 and secures first the cover with respect to the container insert 122 and secondly the container insert 122 with respect to the container part 121. To do so, a part 134 of the coupling ring 133 engages behind a projecting edge 135 of the container part 121 such that the coupling ring 133 is arranged in a form-fitting manner on the spray gun container 120. The coupling ring 133 here is made of an elastic material so that the area 134 can be pulled over the edge 135 of the container part 121 when the coupling ring 133 is placed in position and then it can snap behind the edge 135. Of course, it is also conceivable to screw the coupling ring 133 onto the container part 121.

[0089] In addition, the coupling ring 133 has a relatively flat surface 136 on which the entire spray gun container 120 is placed on a substrate 137 and can optionally be stored for a long period of time. It is self-evident that the covers 97 (see FIG. 6) and 126 may have a tubing 86 (see FIG. 5) so that the spray gun containers 89 and 120 shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, respectively are also suitable at the same time for a low-pressure spraying process. To do so, the tubing 86 may be inserted into the opening 102 or 128, or the openings 102 and 128 may be prepared in such a way that they have a collar on which the tubing 86 can be arranged, as is the case with the receptacle 85 (see. FIG. 5).

[0090] While the invention has been illustrated and described in connection with currently preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and practical application to thereby enable a person skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0091] What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims and includes equivalents of the elements recited therein: 

What is claimed is:
 1. A spray gun container (1; 23; 36), preferably a flow container for accommodating coating materials (38A), characterized by a container part (2; 24; 37; 65) and a fixed container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64).
 2. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 1, characterized in that the container part (2; 24; 37; 65) of the spray gun container (1; 23; 36) has a fastening means with which the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) is secured with respect to the container part (2; 24; 37; 65).
 3. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fastening means has a coupling ring (20; 35).
 4. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 1, characterized in that the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) of the spray gun container (1; 23; 36) has a fastening device with which the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) can be secured with respect to the container part (2; 24; 37; 65).
 5. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 4, characterized in that the fastening device has at least one fastening strap (80A, 80B; 129, 130).
 6. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according claim 1, characterized in that the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) has at least two openings (4, 5; 28, 30).
 7. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one first opening (5; 28) of the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) communicates with a fluid supply (26A) of a spray gun (26; 59).
 8. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 7, characterized in that a fastening means with which the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) can be secured on the spray gun (26; 59) is provided at least in the area of one first opening (5; 28).
 9. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one opening (5; 28; 57), preferably the first opening (5; 28; 57), has a closure (29).
 10. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 6, characterized in that a screen (10; 34; 48; 62) is provided in the area of at least one opening (4, 5; 28, 30; 63A).
 11. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 10, characterized in that the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) and the screen (10; 34; 48; 62) are in one piece.
 12. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 6, characterized in that the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) has a cover (6; 31) for sealing at least one opening (4; 30).
 13. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 12, characterized in that cover (6; 31) has at least one sealable through-bore (7; 33).
 14. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 13, characterized in that the through-bore (7; 33) has a receptacle (85) on which a medium supply device may be provided.
 15. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 12, characterized in that the cover (6; 31) is arranged on an opening (4; 30) of the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) which is situated opposite a container insert opening (5; 28; 57), the container insert opening (5; 28; 57) being provided to communicate with a fluid supply (26A) of a spray gun (26; 59).
 16. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 7, characterized in that the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) has an adapter (15; 27; 40; 60) which forms a loose connection between the spray gun container (1; 23; 36) and the spray gun (26; 59) and/or forms a loose connection between the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) and the spray gun (26; 59).
 17. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 16, characterized in that the adapter (15; 27; 40; 60) is arranged at least partially between the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) and the container part (2; 24; 37; 65).
 18. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to one of claim 6, characterized in that sealing means, preferably a ring gasket (12, 13, 14; 43 to 47; 63B, 63C, 63D) is arranged in the area of at least opening (4, 5; 28, 30).
 19. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 1, characterized in that the volume (3) of the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) amounts to at least more than 60%, preferably more than 80% of the volume of the container part (2; 24; 37; 65).
 20. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to one of claim 1, characterized in that the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) has an outside contour which corresponds to the inside contour of the container part (2; 24; 37; 65). 